German word

Bistro

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɪstʁo/

Meaning

  • neuter nounbistro

Example

Wir treffen uns heute Abend im Bistro.

We're meeting at the bistro tonight.

Illustration for Bistro (bistro)

More examples

Nach dem Kino gehen wir meistens ins Bistro.

After the cinema, we usually go to the bistro.

Core concept

A cozy, low-key restaurant that serves a limited range of food and beverages.

Common phrases

  • jemanden ins Bistro einladen

    invite someone to the bistro

  • im Bistro einen Kaffee trinken

    have a coffee at the bistro

  • eine Reservierung im Bistro machen

    make a reservation at the bistro

Similar words

Restaurant: A sit-down restaurant offering varied dishes for leisurely formal meals.
Café: A café serving coffee and light snacks in a place suited to lingering.
Imbiss: A snack shop offering simple food quickly for takeaway or eating while standing.
Kneipe: A casual pub focused on alcoholic drinks, conversation, and socializing.

Definition in German

Ein kleines, oft gemütliches Lokal mit begrenztem Angebot an Speisen und Getränken, geeignet für zwanglose Treffen.

Word origin

Bistro entered German as a French loanword, and its French source has no securely established deeper origin.

Usage tips

  • For movement into a bistro, German uses ins Bistro, while im Bistro describes being there.

Opposites

  • Gourmetrestaurantgourmet restaurantnoun

Related words

  • Bistroinhaberbistro ownernoun
  • Bistrokulturbistro culturenoun

Word lists with this word